[TheForge] How to black wroght iron finish?

[Reynolds]

Stanton:

A couple of observations. Is this table base actually wrought iron or is it steel? Wrought iron was forged primarily in the period before WW I, although steel was available in the late 1800s.

If it is truly iron, it will clean up nicely if you use an electrolytic process to remove the iron oxide (rust). I've cleaned 30+ Medieval iron pieces wtih success. I use a 4 amp charger without variable controls. Remember, you control the amount of cleaning.  Yes, it works on steel, too!

To clean table with electricity:<p>
Use a container that can hold a large quantity of water. Storage tubs sold at Wal-Mart would work. If the table is exceedingly large, use plastic sheeting laid inside a frame of 2x12 boards. Fill frame to top with water and add one tablespoon of Arm & Hammer washing powder per two gallons of water. Stir powder into solution for 20 seconds. Attach positive lead from battery charger to sacrificial piece of steel and submerge completely. Attach negative lead from charger to piece to be cleaned (table), and submerge in container. Care should be given to see two pieces do not touch in container. Immediately a fine stream of microbubble will begin to float to surface at the point where negative lead touches piece being cleaned. Turn object every 2 hours, or thereabout. Piece can be partially cleaned or cleaned to a clean metal surface, depending on how long electrolytic process is allowed to work. Do not mix up leads or you will end up with a very rusty table! Pull from water and c
 heck periodically. When table is clean to the degree desired, remove and flush with copious water.  Use a plastic brush to remove loose scale or rust. Toss water in yard when done. The iron oxide and soapy water won't hurt your turf.

Consider using an easily applied Johnson paste wax to seal for indoor use. 



<br>I have an old wrought iron table base which I'd like to save in what was its<br>original form- black, with no apparent coating, other than what looks like<br>black oxide. Some of the table, though, has a slight veneer of brown rust-<br>probably only molecules thick

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